California
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Yosemite Camping Reservations: How to Book (Before Everything Sells Out)
If you’ve ever tried to score Yosemite camping reservations and watched every campsite vanish before you could even click “Add to Cart,” you’re not alone. Getting a spot in one of America’s most beloved parks takes strategy, timing, and a whole lot of luck. I can’t help with the luck part, but I can help with the strategy and timing. This post breaks down exactly how the reservation system works, when to book camping reservations in Yosemite, where to camp with your family, and what to do if plan A falls through. Quick-Start Guide: How Yosemite Campground Reservations Work I know that when you’re trying to plan a family trip…
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Joshua Tree RV Camping: Family-Friendly Guide to Campgrounds, Hookups & Best Sites
RV camping in Joshua Tree National Park is one of those experiences every family should have at least once. It was actually the first place we ever took our RV, and we loved it so much. The landscape feels otherworldly, the night skies are unreal, and kids absolutely love scrambling over boulders. But here’s the thing–RV camping at Joshua Tree requires careful preparation due to its remote desert environment, and showing up without a plan can turn a dream trip into a stressful one. We were used to tent camping when we bought our Thor 30.2 RV. So dry camping didn’t phase us. But, for those of you who are…
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Top Beaches in Southern California for Families (From San Diego to Santa Barbara)
Southern California has one of those coastlines that never gets old. From the Mexican border all the way up to Santa Barbara, you’ll find everything from wide, sandy beaches in Southern California with calm water to classic surf spots, hidden coves, and beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs. I’ve lived in California my entire life, and some of my favorite family memories have been spent along this stretch of coast. Now, as a mom, I’ve gotten to experience many of these beaches all over again with my own kids. Whether you’re looking for gentle waves for little ones, a great spot for your teen to try surfing, or just an easy…
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Best Snow Resorts for Family Winter Vacations
Planning a family ski trip sounds exciting until you realize how many resorts with snow are out there, each promising the “perfect” winter getaway. And then when you see the price of that promised perfect getaway, well let’s just say, it can be a tough one to swallow. The difference between a vacation your kids talk about for years and one that drains your wallet (and your patience) comes down to choosing a resort built around families, not just skiers. I think there’s something dreamy about picturing your family hitting the slopes all day and then cozying up around a fire at night. Walking around a cute village and enjoying…
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Best Things to Do in San Diego: A Local’s Guide
If you’re searching for the best things to do in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place — because this isn’t a list written by someone who visited San Diego for a long weekend. I was born and raised in San Diego and have lived here for almost my entire life. I grew up going to these beaches, visiting these attractions, hiking these trails, and exploring these neighborhoods. And now I’m raising my own kids here and experiencing many of my favorite San Diego places all over again with them. So yes, I know the tourist attractions. But I also know which ones are actually worth your time, which…
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Where to Stay in San Diego: A Local’s Guide to the Best Areas & Neighborhoods
Trying to figure out where to stay in San Diego can be surprisingly difficult. Not because there aren’t enough good options. Quite the opposite, actually. And also because San Diego is incredibly spread out—and every neighborhood offers a completely different vacation. Even if you know for sure that you want to stay at one of the amazing San Diego beachfront resorts, you’ll still have to decide which beach to stay on. You could wake up steps from the sand in Coronado, spend your mornings watching sea lions in La Jolla, stay within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife at a harbor downtown, or book a family-friendly resort overlooking Mission Bay.…
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Top Family-Friendly Pumpkin Patches & Halloween Activities in Southern California
I absolutely love fall. Football, flannels, pumpkins… what’s not to love? The irony is that I live in Southern California, and while everyone else is pulling out sweaters and sipping hot cider in crisp 60-degree weather, there’s a decent chance we’re heading to the pumpkin patch in shorts and sweating through an 85-degree October afternoon. But at least we have some pretty awesome pumpkin patches and Halloween events to choose from in Southern California. In fact, some of the best Halloween and fall activities are in Southern California. You’ll find everything from huge pumpkin patches and old-fashioned harvest festivals to incredible nighttime pumpkin displays and theme parks completely transformed for…
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Best October Getaways: 15 Amazing Places to Visit This Fall
October might just be my favorite month for a getaway. The summer crowds have mostly disappeared, the weather is finally cooling off in many parts of the country, and fall foliage is putting on a spectacular show. And if you’re not quite ready to trade your sandals for sweaters, there are still plenty of places where you can find sunshine and warm temperatures. I’ve always been jealous of school districts that offer a fall break. Even though we don’t get one here, I still make a point to plan at least a long weekend away every October. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend surrounded by colorful leaves, a family-friendly…
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Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs: A Complete Resort Guide for Families
Palm Desert is one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations when I’m looking to relax and spend some time in the sun. There are so many great family resorts there that my kids absolutely love. But the one we keep coming back to time and time again is the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Palm Springs Resort. If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, it’s probably pretty clear that I love a resort with a lazy river. And my kids love resorts with waterslides. So we’ve tried out a number of the Palm Springs resorts with water parks, but Omni Rancho Las Palmas is our favorite for more reasons…
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Best Budget Winter Vacation Destinations for 2027
Winter travel doesn’t have to mean draining your savings account. In fact, some of my favorite trips have been during the winter, when fewer crowds, lower prices, and mild weather in the right destinations can make a getaway even better. Whether you’re dreaming of escaping the cold for a sunny beach or leaning into winter with skiing, snowboarding, and cozy mountain towns, there are plenty of ways to have an amazing trip without spending a fortune. So, if you’re looking for inexpensive winter vacations for 2027, I’ve rounded up some of the best budget-friendly destinations to consider—from warm-weather escapes to snow-covered adventures. How I Chose the Best Inexpensive Winter Destinations…
